I recently touched base with the acclaimed and syndicated Clinton Sparks and got a chance to ask him about his success, making the transition to being an artist, and more. Clinton Sparks is Diddy’s tour DJ, has shows on Shade 45, and now E! Network, and has likely been involved in some of your favorite artists work.
Dirty Laces: What would you consider your first big break?
I don’t think I had 1 event I would consider my big break. I think my success thus far is due to a culmination of many events from having a syndicated radio show to touring as Diddy’s DJ to my mixtapes, production & being on Eminems station ( Shade 45) & then joining the E! Network.
I’m very fortunate to have these oppurtunities.
DL: What are your top 3 favorite mixtapes you have hosted?
1.Chester French “Jaques Jams Vol.1 Endurance”
2.Kanye West “Touch The Sky”
3.Smashtimeradio / Shade 45 Edition w/ Eminem
All available for free download on clintonsparks.com
DL: What was it that inspired your infamous DJ drop “get familiar”?
When I first got hired to be on radio I wanted to have something original that the listener would be able to identify me by, so I jotted down several ideas on paper &”Get Familiar” was one of the things I wrote down. It kept jumping out @ me & it was a cool way for me to tell someone to get familiar w/ new music & a way artist could say get familiar w/ me.
DL: You recently released your first single “Favorite DJ”, was it hard making the transition from producer to recording artist?
Nah because I was an artist & am an artist in my heart. I wanted to be a songwriter & a producer from the beginning. I became a DJ to gain credibibility & relationships so that I could get my music off. It worked….so far. Phew.
DL: Which do you like better?
I love it all. I do not necesarily prefer one over the other. I love making,playing & listeningto music.
DL: What is the 411 on your upcoming show on Karmaloop TV?
We are still in the creative stages but it will definitely incorporate the funny. It will be a hybrid of a traditional talk show mixed w/ sketch comedy.
DL: Do you think KTV is going to aid in the death of MTV?
I think it will aid in the creation of awesome content & provide a platform for the verge culture as well as the cool. What I mean by that is those that are cool & aware of what’s hip will have a place that they can relate to & those that would like to get familiar w/ the hot newness will have a place to do so from music to art & film,karmalooptv will be the network to Get Familiar with.
DL: Who are you listening to right now? (what’s on your i pod lol)
A LOT of Queen & a lot of my own music so I can critique it & continually make it better..
DL: Tell us about your daily grind and what advice you have for young, artists, DJ’s and hosts trying to make it in the industry (you seem to have mastered them all) ?
Thank you for that compliment. Well, I am very enthused to work & excited for what the next day will bring. So I don’t really know how to tell someone to be that way but one thing I have always done was NOT care about what others were doing or saying. I just made my plan & stayed focused on it. I also suggest being the 1st you & not the 2nd somebody else. Get Familiar!
Game recognize game.
[button link="http://www.twitter.com/clintonsparks" color="lightblue"]Twitter[/button] [button link="http://www.facebook.com/clintonsparks" color="blue"]Facebook[/button] [button link="http://www.clintonsparks.com" color="black"]Downloads[/button]
![Danger Beach – Apache [video]](http://dirtylaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Danger-Beach-Apache-e1304617957916-150x150.jpg)
